Mathematics Today Twelve Informal Essays : Springer : 9781461394372 : 1461394376 : 21 Dec 2011 : The objective of the present book of essays is to convey to the intelligent nonmathematician something of the nature, development, and use of mathe­ matical concepts, particularly those that have found application in current scientific research. The idea of assembling such a volume goes back at least to 1974, when it was discussed by the then-newly-formed Joint Projects Committee for Mathematics (JPCM) of the American Mathematical Soci­ ety, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Indus­ trial and Applied Mathematics. Currently, the nine members of the JPCM are Saunders Mac Lane (Chairman) of the University of Chicago, Frederick J. Almgren, Jr. of Princeton University, Richard D. Anderson of Louisiana State University, George E. Carrier of Harvard University, Hirsh G. Cohen ofthe International Business Machines Corporation, Richard C. DiPrima of Rensselaer Polytechnic I